Silva service for Mancini with Spanish star set to return for crunch Ajax clash

David Silva could make a sensational recovery and return to Manchester City's starting XI for their crunch Champions League clash against Ajax.

The Spanish playmaker suffered a hamstring problem while on international duty last week and it was feared he would miss Wednesday's game in Amsterdam.

But after scans revealed the injury was not bad as initially thought, Silva has made a remarkable return to fitness and City assistant boss Brian Kidd is now hopeful the 26-year-old will now start against the Dutch giants.

Silva lining: City playmaker could return to action against Ajax on Wednesday

‘With David, we don’t know how long he’ll be out for,’ he said.

‘I think they are looking at him thinking he might be in with a chance of playing against Ajax.

'With a couple of days for it to settle down, we will get a better picture.'

Roberto Mancini's side have made a stuttering start to their European campaign. They surrendered a lead late-on to lose their opening tie against Real Madrid while they were held at home to Borussia Dortmund.

Wednesday's visit to the Amsterdam Arena could come too soon for summer recruits Maicon and Javi Garcia, however, with the pair battling to return from injuries.

Kidd added: ‘Javi Garcia and Maicon [other injury doubts].

'They have done a little bit of training but we hope the next couple of dates will bring them on.’